Comparison of ISOCELL S5KGM1 vs GM1 vs GM2 – Specs and Differences

ISOCELL CMOS camera sensors from Samsung are helpful for a wide range of products, including digital cameras, mobile phones, computers, and more. These sensors use pixel-type technologies, including FSI (frontside-illuminated), BSI (backside-illuminated), ISOCELL, ISOCELL Plus, and ISOCELL 2.0. Out of many image sensors from Samsung, some of the most notable ones are ISOCEL S5KGM1, GM1, and GM2.

Also Read: Samsung ISOCELL JN1 vs GN1 vs GN5

Demand for high-resolution, ultra-small image sensors is increasing as smartphones evolve to convey new and exciting camera experiences. The introduction of cutting-edge 0.8μm pixel Samsung ISOCELL S5KGM1, GM1, and GM2 image sensors make sure Samsung is committed to providing innovation in image sensor technologies.

Let’s first look at the details of each of these image sensors and then go through their comparison:

ISOCELL S5KGM1:

This ISOCELL image sensor allows slim mobile devices to provide leading camera performance with vivid color and rich detail. Smart WDR and Tetrapixel technologies in this sensor offer excellent color reproduction and light sensitivity.

Also, this sensor is widespread for presenting fast and precise focus. Though the pixel size is small, i.e., 0.8 μm, they are high-performing pixels that offer high resolution in slim devices.

List of phones equipped with ISOCELL S5KGM1 image sensor:

• Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite
• Samsung Galaxy A90 5G
• Samsung Galaxy M30s
• Fairphone 3+
• Lenovo Z6 Pro
• Meizu 16Xs/Note 9
• Oppo A93
• Oppo F11/F11 Pro
• Oppo F17 Pro
• Poco M3Motorola One Fusion
• Motorola One Vision
• Realme 7 5G
• Realme V5 5G
• Redmi Note 7
• Redmi Note 8
• Redmi Note 9
• Vivo iQOO Neo3
• Vivo iQOO Z1
• ZTE Axon 10 Pro

Features:

• ISOCELL Bright’s Tetrapixel technology significantly enhances light sensitivity in dim light conditions. It combines four adjacent pixels to function as one large pixel.
• ISOCELL Plus pixel type conveys color accurate, crystal-clear photos although there is dim light condition.
• ISOCELL Plus substitutes that metal barrier with an advanced new material developed by Fujifilm, which reduces light reflection and optical loss.
• The Smart WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) feature offers multiple exposures in one shot. Consequently, it presents excellent detail for both dark and bright areas.
• With the advanced PDAF (Phase Detecting Auto Focus), the sensor recognizes the distance of fast-moving objects, although the light condition is dim. This leads to accurate and fast auto-focusing.
• The 3-stack FRS (Fast Readout Sensor) offers high-speed captures at Full HD video recording.

ISOCELL GM1:

The ISOCELL GM1 image sensor supports 48 MP resolution and provides 12 MP (Pixel binning) output for capturing bright photos. It is implemented with Tetrapixel technology and comes with intelligent WDR support.

Tetracell technology merges four adjacent pixels to function as a single giant pixel that offers increased light sensitivity equivalent to a 1.6 μm pixel image sensor. Moreover, Tetrapixel technology provides brighter, sharper image output in low light conditions.

Owing to the reduced pixel size, this sensor offers excellent design flexibility. So, it allows manufacturers to build small modules or pack plenty of pixels into existing designs. Based on the latest pixel isolation technology from Samsung, the ISOCELL Plus pixel type optimizes performance specifically for smaller-dimension pixels. So, the sensor is a perfect solution for super-resolution cameras.

Features:

• ISOCELL Plus technology significantly increases light sensitivity and color fidelity of 0.8um pixels for more accurate photos.
• With the implementation of the Tetrapixel technology, this sensor’s big pixel helps it capture bright pictures. The remosaic algorithm generates detailed 12 MP high-resolution images.
• The smart WDR technology assists the sensor in capturing vibrant photos with fine details irrespective of lighting conditions.
• There is support for the Gyro-based electronic image stabilization (EIS) that provides rapid and precise image capture.
  

ISOCELL GM2:

This Samsung image sensor depicts fine details with lifelike colors. It is an ultra-high 48 MP image sensor that provides excellent light sensitivity with Tetrapixel/Remosaic technology. Though the pixel size is small, it conveys high-resolution performance.

ISOCELL Plus technology utilizes unique wall material, decreasing light reflection and optical light. So, the sensor can receive more light in sub-micro-sized pixels as well. Consequently, the sensor can pack 48 million 0.8 μm pixels and convey picture output with high color fidelity. Night shots captured with a device having this sensor appear bright and sharp.

Features:

• Tetrapixel technology combines four adjacent 0.8 μm pixels to work as a single 1.6 μm pixel. So, the image sensor’s light sensitivity is increased by four times, which helps it to capture 12 MP images in dim light conditions.
• In a bright outdoor environment, the Remosaic algorithm implemented in this sensor re-arranges the color filter array to the RGB Bayer pattern. So, the sensor can capture highly detailed 48 MP photographs.
• Super-PD AF focuses on using a unique oval lens over two pixels to function as one of several phases detecting agents within the sensor. Super-PD AF makes sure they are sharper, whether subjects are still or moving.
• Smart-ISO offers an optimal dynamic range with less noise. It employs light to an electric signal converting system that adapts the conversion depending on the darkness or brightness of the environment.
• Through Smart-ISO, images captured in a low-lit environment have more detail and less noise. They appear more vibrant in outdoor conditions.
• The sWDR pattern receives and processes two diverse exposure sets for real-time HDR.
• Through multi-exposure processing, images captured wherein light and dark areas co-exist will still appear sharp with enough brightness.

Comparison of ISOCELL S5KGM1 vs ISOCELL GM1 vs ISOCELL GM2:

Concluding Note:

When it comes to light sensitivity, irrespective of the lighting condition, the ISOCELL S5KGM1 is a better choice to consider. If you want to capture high-resolution, vibrant images with rich details, the ISOCELL GM1 is a better choice of the three discussed image sensors. If you want to get sharp image output with fast, precise autofocus, the ISOCELL GM2 is a better choice.